Public Health New Mexico

Falls cause the most injury-related deaths in people 65 and up

KUNM | By Daniel Montaño

Published September 23, 2025 at 7:12 PM MDT

Unintentional falls are still the leading cause of injury-related death amongst residents over the age of 65 according to a new report from the New Mexico Deparment of Health, despite the mortality rate from falls dropping by 41% from 2019 to 2023.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths of older New Mexicans, according to a Department of Health report released Tuesday.

The new report looked at data from 2019 to 2023, and found although mortality from falls decreased by 41% during that time, from 347 deaths to 213, hospitalizations increased.

A breakdown form the New Mexico Deaprtment of Health shows people over the age of 85 still have the highest risk of death from a fall, but the rate has improved over time.

Initially, hospitalizations fell from 2019 to 2020 by about 4%, but then increased by more than 10% from 2020 to 2023, and serious injuries are still on the rise, which is why falls remain the leading cause of injury-related death for people over the age of 65.

Although overall mortality rates from falls dropped during the reporting period of 2019 to 2023, hospitalizations did rise.

Death becomes more likely the older the fall victim. For example, in the last year for which there is data, about 283 per 100,000 residents died from falls in the over 85 group compared to just 11 per 100,000 in the 65 to 74 age group

Nationwide, deaths from unintentional falls for those aged 65 and older have increased over the last two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NMDOH Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Miranda Durham, said falls are an inevitable part of aging, but people can lower the risk by “focusing on building strength and improving balance with an exercise routine that suits their lifestyle.”

Residents can find an exercise class focused on older adults through the NMDOH helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773).

The department recommends older residents speak with a doctor to get an assessment of fall risk, get their vision and hearing checked, and review medications to ensure side-effects don’t increase the chances of a fall.

NMDOH also suggests wearing proper supportive footwear and maintaining a safe home free of tripping hazards with clear lighting and handrails in dangerous areas, and encourages caregivers and family members to do a walkthrough of seniors’ homes to address safety issues.

Older New Mexicans can check their risk for falling at the National Council for Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp, and can contact the New Mexico Aging and Long-term Care Department at 1-800-432-2080 for assistance connecting to resources

The NMDOH report and announcement coincides with Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 22 through 26.

Support for this coverage comes from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.